Thyropharyngeal part of inferior pharyngeal constrictor
Pars thyreopharyngea constrictoris inferioris pharyngis
- Latin synonym: Pars thyropharyngea; Musculus thyreopharyngeus
- Synonym: Thyropharyngeus muscle
- Related terms: Thyropharyngeal part; Thyropharyngeus
Definition
The thyropharyngeal part of inferior pharyngeal constrictor arises from the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage and the tendinous arch between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Its fibres pass posteriorly and medially to insert into the median pharyngeal raphe, overlapping the lower fibers of the middle constrictor.
The thyropharyngeal part is innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) via the pharyngeal plexus, with fibres from the cranial part of the accessory nerve (CN XI).
Functionally, it constricts the lower pharyngeal wall during swallowing, propelling the bolus into the esophagus and acting in sequence with the other constrictor muscles to ensure coordinated pharyngeal peristalsis.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 34: Pharynx, pp. 581-582.
